Although this book was a disturbing story, it was eye-opening. It was fascinating to be in eyes of the care-taker especial one as brave, gentle, and loving as Cathy Glass. This is a remarkable, yet heartbreaking story of a child that slipped through the cracks of Social Services. From the moment Jodie arrives on the step's of Cathy's house, you are roped in. Although this is an addicting read, the story is so truly disturbing. I found tears streaming down my checks as I continued to read on to find out what happens. I can't imagine a child going through such pain and even worse a child going through this while others sat on the side lines and did nothing. I have mentioned to Moe on multiple occasions that I would love to foster at some point in my life. Although you would think this book would turn me off of the idea, it in fact did the opposite. It made me feel like you can make a difference in a child's life even if the task seems too difficult to bear.
- Miss J
Source: Book Summary on Amazon
Although Jodie is only eight years old, she is violent, aggressive, and has already been through numerous foster families. Her last hope is Cathy Glass. At the Social Services office, Cathy (an experienced foster carer) is pressured into taking Jodie as a new placement. Jodie's challenging behavior has seen off five carers in four months. Despite her reservations, Cathy decides to take on Jodie to protect her from being placed in an institution. Jodie arrives, and her first act is to soil herself, and then wipe it on her face, grinning wickedly. Jodie meets Cathy's teenage children, and greets them with a sharp kick to the shins. That night, Cathy finds Jodie covered in blood, having cut her own wrist, and smeared the blood over her face. As Jodie begins to trust Cathy her behavior improves. Over time, with childish honesty, she reveals details of her abuse at the hands of her parents and others. It becomes clear that Jodie's parents were involved in a sickening pedophile ring, with neighbors and Social Services not seeing what should have been obvious signs. Unfortunately Jodie becomes increasingly withdrawn, and it's clear she needs psychiatric therapy. Cathy urges the Social Services to provide funding, but instead they decide to take Jodie away from her, and place her in a residential unit. Although the pedophile ring is investigated and brought to justice, Jodie's future is still up in the air. Cathy promises that she will stand by her no matter what—er love for the abandoned Jodie is unbreakable.
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